The Pikio Si Oblik boasts the best score ever recorded in Virginia Tech’s cycling helmet testing, thanks to a novel impact-management system.
Most helmets rely on a foam liner that crushes to absorb energy, with some incorporating a low-friction layer (such as MIPS) intended to reduce rotational forces.
Oblik instead divides the helmet's shock-absorbing liner into a base liner and a series of independently moving modules. These are connected by what Pikio calls a ‘deflection-sensitive nodal system’, enabling individual sections of the helmet to respond according to the location, direction and intensity of an impact.
The company says this modular construction is designed to help manage both linear (straight-line) and rotational forces, particularly during angled impacts.
The modules also feature cavities designed to deform and compress under load, alongside different-density foams intended to deal with varying levels of impact energy.
Polycarbonate reinforcement is integrated into the modules to increase structural strength without adding excessive weight, according to Pikio.
The Pikio Si Oblik scored 4.61 in Virginia Tech’s rating system (where a lower number is better), putting it top of the organisation’s rankings, which include MTB and full-face helmets.
More than just safety
Despite the focus on impact protection, Pikio says the Si hasn't sacrificed the other characteristics we'd expect from a modern road helmet.
There are 17 vents, with deep internal channels designed to draw cool air through the helmet and evacuate heat. Pikio also claims the helmet delivers good aerodynamic performance.
We’ve weighed our size-medium helmet at 284g, meaning it isn’t the lightest premium road helmet around (the Trek Velocis MIPS weighed 247g in the same size), and the structural design means it appears a little bulkier than a typical helmet.
There's also an integrated dock for storing sunglasses when they're not being worn, plus antimicrobial and odour-resistant padding.
The helmet is available in three sizes – small (51-55cm), medium (55-59cm) and large (59-61cm) – and four colours: Black Onyx, Graphite Black, White Pearl and Titanium Gray.
The Pikio Si Oblik is priced at $379, and currently available in the US and Canada only. Pikio says it is hoping to sell the helmet in Europe and the UK from next year.
